Proverbs 29:2-27

29:2 When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice;

when the wicked rule, the people groan.

29:3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,

but whoever associates with prostitutes wastes his wealth.

29:4 A king brings stability to a land by justice,

but one who exacts tribute tears it down.

29:5 The one who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his steps.

29:6 In the transgression of an evil person there is a snare,

but a righteous person can sing and rejoice.

29:7 The righteous person cares for the legal rights of the poor;

the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

29:8 Scornful people inflame a city,

but those who are wise turn away wrath.

29:9 If a wise person goes to court with a foolish person,

there is no peace whether he is angry or laughs.

29:10 Bloodthirsty people hate someone with integrity;

as for the upright, they seek his life.

29:11 A fool lets fly with all his temper,

but a wise person keeps it back.

29:12 If a ruler listens to lies,

all his ministers will be wicked.

29:13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:

the Lord gives light to the eyes of them both.

29:14 If a king judges the poor in truth,

his throne will be established forever.

29:15 A rod and reproof impart wisdom,

but a child who is unrestrained brings shame to his mother.

29:16 When the wicked increase, transgression increases,

but the righteous will see their downfall.

29:17 Discipline your child, and he will give you rest;

he will bring you happiness.

29:18 When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,

but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!

29:19 A servant cannot be corrected by words,

for although he understands, there is no answer.

29:20 Do you see someone who is hasty in his words?

There is more hope for a fool than for him.

29:21 If someone pampers his servant from youth,

he will be a weakling in the end.

29:22 An angry person stirs up dissension,

and a wrathful person is abounding in transgression.

29:23 A person’s pride will bring him low,

but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.

29:24 Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy;

he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.

29:25 The fear of people becomes a snare,

but whoever trusts in the Lord will be set on high.

29:26 Many people seek the face of a ruler,

but it is from the Lord that one receives justice.

29:27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,

and the one who lives an upright life is an abomination to the wicked.